Ever think that sharing stories with a crowd would have a sense of theatricality to it? Two Women Talking, directed by Dan Milne, takes on this challenge with performances at the A.R.T./New York South Oxford Space.

The concept evokes curiosity before the show begins. Two Women Talking is an improvised performance between two women, Benaifer Bhadha and Monsoon Bissell. They share stories back and forth with each other and with the audience. The setting is simple: two chairs sit on the stage floor. Benaifer and Monsoon make great use of the space, utilizing the steps and the stage behind them. No two performances are alike.

The plot is not linear. Rather, it’s a collage of stories woven together, creating a beautiful connection between all of the participants. Audience engagement manifests itself based on the presence in the room. This organic approach to performance creates a different environment each night and makes the audience feel like they have contributed to the performance.

Benaifer and Monsoon are not on stage as “characters”; instead they are themselves. One of the ways that people connect with each other is through story, and through their stories we are able to know so much more about them. Two Women Talking is a celebration of women and their life experiences. It is empowering that it passes the “Bechdel test,” which is the notion that women can talk with each other about topics that don’t revolve around men. The environment becomes intimate, and it’s like listening to two friends sharing adventures. In a way, they become more familiar to us.

Perhaps the audience arrangement could have been different than your standard proscenium seating in order to feed that intimacy, but Benaifer and Monsoon’s charisma shined throughout all of the room. You will feel like you’re part of something special and unique. After all, how many times do you get together with friends and tell the exact same story?

NARATIV's Two Women Talking continues its run at the A.R.T./New York South Oxford Space through October 5. For more information and tickets, visit https://narativ.com/